M-Class destroyer ordered from Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Company with the 1939 Programme on 7th July 1939 with HMS MARTIN of the same Class. Build of the hull was sub-contracted to Vickers-Armstrong shipyard at Newcastle and this ship was laid down on 23rd October 1939. She was launched on 30th October 1949 as the 2nd RN ship to bear this name, introduced for a destroyer built in 1915 to commemorate the Battle of the Marne and sold in 1920. Completion of build was 2nd December 1941 at a cost of £457,512, excluding items such as armament and communications outfits supplied by the Admiralty. After a successful WARSHIP WEEK National Savings campaign in March 1942 this destroyer was adopted by the civil community of Keighley, then in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

 

B a t t l e   H o n o u r s

   

JUTLAND 1916  - ARCTIC 1942-44 - MALTA CONVOYS 1942 - NORTH AFRICA 1942 - AEGEAN 1944

 

H e r a l d i c   D a t a

Badge: On a Field Blue, a dolphin naiant within a Chaplet of Gold.

 

 

D e t a i l s   o f   W a r   S e r v i c e

 

(for more ship information, go to Naval History Homepage and type name in Site Search)

 

 

1 9 4 1

 

November            Contractors trials and commissioning

             2nd          Build completion date and commenced acceptance trials

                             On completion of storing, weapon trials and shakedown took passage to Scapa Flow

                             to work-up for operational service with ships of the Home Fleet.

                             Nominated for service with 17th Destroyer Flotilla.

 

December

            12th          Commenced work-up at Scapa Flow

            31st          On completion of work-up joined Flotilla in Home Fleet and deployed for escort of

                             convoys to and from Iceland.

1 9 4 2

 

January                North Atlantic convoy escort in continuation.

 

February               During deployment in North Atlantic defects experienced with boiler equipment and

                              leaks in forward structure. Repair arranged at Vickers shipyard at Barrow-in Furness.

                              Took passage to Barrow for repair.

             25th          Taken in hand for repair.

 

March

             21st          On completion of repair took passage to Reykjavik to resume operational duties with

                              Flotilla.

            27th           Joined HM Destroyers ASHANTI, BEDOUIN, ECHO, ESCAPADE, ESKIMO,

                              FAULKNOR, FORESIGHT, ICARUS, INGLEFIELD, ONSLOW, PUNJABI and

                              TARTAR, HM Escort Destroyers LEDBURY, MIDDLETON and WHEATLAND as

                              screen for HM Battleships KING GEORGE V and DUKE OF YORK, HM Battlecruiser

                              RENOWN, HM Aircraft Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS. HM Cruisers EDINBURGH and KENT.

                              (Note: This large RN presence was being retained in northern waters as a show of

                                         strength in view of the increased threat of attack by German warships on allied

                                         supply convoys between Iceland and North Russia. The German warships

                                         included the battleship TIRPITZ, armoured ship ADMIRAL SCHEER and

                                         cruiser HIPPER.)

          28th                 Deployed with screen for Home Fleet units providing distant cover for the passage of

                                  Russian Convoy PQ13 and return Convoy QP9

                                  (For details of all Russian Convoy operations and ships involved see THE RUSSIAN

                                  CONVOYS by B Schoefield, CONVOYS TO RUSSIA by RA Ruegg, CONVOY ! by

                                  P Kemp and ARCTIC CONVOYS by R Woodman.)

 

April                        Arctic deployment in continuation.

             10th             Joined Ocean Escort for return Convoy QP10 from Kola Inlet with HM Destroyers

                                 FURY, PUNJABI and ORIBI.

             11th             Under air and submarine attacks

                                 (Note: Two mercantles sunk by air attack.

             12th             Air and submarine attacks in continuation.

             to                 (Note: Two mercantiles were sunk by U435. See above references and HITLER’S

             13th                         U-BOAT WAR by C Blair.

                                              Seven submarines and over 50 aircraft were involved.

             21st              QP10 arrived at Reykjavik and resumed Flotilla screening duties for Home Fleet units.

             28th             Part of screen for HMS KING GEORGE V, US Battleship USS WASHINGTON,

                                 HM Aircraft Carrier VICTORIOUS, HMS KENYA, US Cruisers USS TUSCALOOSA

                                 and USS WICHITA with HM Destroyers ESCAPADE, FAULKNOR, MARTIN, ORIBI,

                                 HM Escort Destroyers BELVOIR, HURSLEY, LAMERTON and MIDDLETON to

                                 provide Distant Cover for transit of Russian Convoy PQ15 and return Convoy QP11.

                                 (See above references.)

 

May

               1st             Extensive fog encountered

                                 (Note: During this period a collision between USS WASHINGTON and this ship

                                             was narrowly averted but HMS PUNJABI sank after collision with HMS

                                              KING GEORGE V.)

             13th              Deployed with HM Destroyers ECLIPSE, ESCAPADE, FAULKNOR, FURY, ICARUS

                                  INGLEFIELD and ONSLOW, HM Escort Destroyers BLANKNEY, LAMERTON,

                                  MIDDLETON and WHEATLAND as screen for HMS DUKE OF YORK, HMS

                                  VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers LONDON, KENT, LIVERPOOL, NIGERIA and

                                  NORFOLK to provide cover for return passage of HM Cruiser TRINIDAD which

                                  was returning to UK from North Russia for repair.

              15th             Resumed Flotilla duties on return to Scapa Flow.

              23rd             Deployed with HM Destroyers ONSLOW and ORIBI as screen for HM Cruisers

                                  KENT, LIVERPOOL, NIGERIA and NORFOLK providing Cruiser Cover for

                                  passage of Russian Convoy PQ16 to Murmansk and returning Convoy QP12

                                  in Arctic.

 

June                          Nominated for detached service as escort for military convoy WS19Z and took

                                  passage from Scapa Flow to Clyde (Operation HARPOON.)

                5th             Sailed from Clyde as escort for WS19Z with HM Cruisers LIVERPOOL and

                                  KENYA, HM Destroyers BEDOUIN, ESCAPADE, ICARUS, ONSLOW and

                                  MATCHLESS, HM Escort Destroyers BADSWORTH, BLANKNEY, MIDDLETON

                                  and Polish Escort Destroyer ORP KUJAWIAK.

               12th            After refuelling at Gibraltar joined HM Destroyers BEDOUIN, MATCHLESS,

                                  ITHURIEL and PARTRIDGE, HM Escort Destroyers BADSWORTH, BLANKNEY,

                                  MIDDLETON and ORP KUJAWIAK, HM Fleet Minesweepers HEBE, SPEEDY,

                                  HYTHE and RYE for Close Escort of WS19Z through Sicilian Narrows to Malta

                                  as Force X.

                                  (Note: Cover for HARPOON convoy during passage to Narrows was provided by

                                              Force W comprising HM Battleship MALAYA, HM Aircraft Carriers

                                              EAGLE and ARGUS, HM Cruisers KENYA, LIVERPOOL and CHARYBDIS

                                            screened by HM Destroyers ONSLOW, ICARUS, ESCAPADE, WISHART,

                                            WESTCOTT. WRESTLER, VIDETTE and ANTELOPE.

                                            HM Cruiser WELSHMAN was also with WS19Z during early part of transit in

                                            western Mediterranean but detached and took passage independently to Malta with

                                            relief supplies.

                                            For details see THE BATTLE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN by D Macintyre,

                                            MALTA CONVOYS by R Woodman and ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE

                                            CLOSELY by C Barnett.)

               14th            Attacks by Italian submarines UARSIEK and ALAGI failed.

                                  During heavy and sustained air attacks mercantile ss TANIMBAR was sunk

                                  and HMS LIVERPOOL damaged.

                                  One aircraft destroyed by Oerlikon fire from ship.

                                  (Note: HMS LIVERPOOL withdrawn from covering force and returned to Gibraltar

                                             escorted by HMS ANTELOPE.)

                15th           Under attack by Italian cruisers MONTECUCCOLI and EUGENIO.

                                  Detached from escort and engaged enemy ships with the other Fleet Destroyers during

                                  which period convoy was subject to heavy air attacks and sustained loss of one mercantile

                                  and serious damage to two others which had to be sunk by the escort.

                                  For details see Naval Staff History.

                                  Returned to convoy when enemy ships withdrew.

                                  (Note: Whilst engaging enemy force HMS BEDOUIN and HMS PARTRIDGE

                                              were both damaged when making torpedo attacks. HMS BEDOUIN was

                                              taken in tow by HMS PARTRIDGE but was later sunk when hit by a

                                              torpedo during air attacks. HMS PARTRIDGE was able to escape and

                                              returned to Gibraltar.)

                16th           Under further air attacks on final passage into Malta.

                                  (Note: During entry into Grand Harbour with the two remaining mercantiles

                                             ORP KUJAWIAK was sunk by a mine with HMS BADSWORTH and

                                             HMS MATCHLESS both damaged in the same field. These two destroyers

                                             had to remain in Malta for repair and did not return with Force X.

                                             The arrival of the two mercantiles enabled Malta to survive until the

                                             PEDESTAL relief convoy arrived in August.

                 17th          Passage from Malta with Force X to rejoin Force W west of the Narrows,

                                  (Note: Under air attacks during return passage sustained slight damage from near misses.)

                 19th          Arrived at Gibraltar with Forces W and X.

                                  (Note Only 18% of Fuel remained due to periods of steaming at high speed.).

                 22nd         Took passage from Gibraltar with detached Home Fleet ships to resume Flotilla

                                  duties at Scapa Flow.

                  28th         Nominated for screening of Home Fleet ships providing Distant Cover for

                                  transit of Russian Convoy PQ17 and return convoy QP13.

                  29th         Deployed with HM Destroyers ASHANTI, ESCAPADE, MARTIN, FAULKNOR

                                  ONSLOW and ONSLAUGHT, HM Escort Destroyers BLANKNEY,

                                  MIDDLETON and WHEATLAND, US Destroyers MAYRANT and

                                  RHIND as screen for HMS DUKE OF YORK, USS WASHINGTON,

                                  HMS VICTORIOUS, HM Cruisers NIGERIA and CUMBERLAND

                                  during provision of Distant Cover.

 

July

                    4th         Remained in Arctic Sea with Home Fleet covering force when PQ17

                                  ordered to scatter by Admiralty because of a perceive threat of attack

                                  by major German warships including the battleship TIRPITZ.

                                  (Note: For details of this disastrous decision see THE CONVOY IS TO

                                             SCATTER by J Broome and above references.)

                    7th         Returned to Iceland with Home Fleet units.

                   13th        Passage to Scapa Flow.

                   20th         Deployed with HM Destroyer  MARTIN, HM Escort Destroyers MIDDLETON

                                   and BLANKNEY to take ammunition and other stores to Murmansk for RN

                                   ships waiting to escort return convoy from Kola Inlet.

                    24th        Arrived at Kola Inlet after call at Seidisfjord, Iceland.

 

August                        Deployed in North Russian waters.

                    15th        Joined HMS ONSLAUGHT, US Cruiser USS TUSCALOOSA, US Destroyers

                                   RODMAN and EMMONS with HMS MARTIN in position 800 miles from

                                   Archangel to supplement escort during final stage of inward passage to Kola Inlet.

                                   (Note: These ships were carrying RAF ground crews and equipment to Russia

                                               for support of HAMPDEN aircraft based in North Russia and also

                                               medical personnel and equipment for use in North Russia.)

                    16th        Arrived at Archangel with US ships.

                                   (Note: Medical personnel were not allowed to land and returned in ships of QP14.)

                    21st        Rescued crew of CATALINA aircraft which had crashed.

                    24th        Took passage with US Navy ships from Archangel.

                                   (Some survivors from Russian Convoy PQ17 were embarked.)

                    25th        Detached with HMS ONSLAUGHT and HMS MARTIN from USN ships

                                   to carry out search for German minelayer ULM which was known to be

                                   in the area, based on decrypted signal traffic..

                                   Intercepted and engaged enemy ship with main armament which sank in

                                   position 100 miles east of Bear Island.

                    28th        On return to Scapa Flow taken in hand for repair by Fleet Repair personnel.

 

September.                 Transferred to 3rd Destroyer Flotilla with HM Destroyers METEOR,

                                   MILNE and MUSKETEER.

                      9th        On completion of repair joined HM Destroyers ASHANTI, ESKIMO, FURY,

                                   FAULKNOR, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, MARTIN, METEOR, MILNE, ONSLOW,

                                   OFFA ONSLAUGHT, OPPORTUNE, SOMALI, TARTAR, HM Cruiser SCYLLA.

                                   and HM Escort Aircraft Carrier AVENGER in Fighting Escort for Russian Convoy PQ18.

                     13th       HMS OFFA joined Fighting Escort.

                                    (HMS SCYLLA also detached with these destroyers.)

                     17th       Passage from Lowe Sound to join return Convoy QP14 as part of Fighting Escort.

                     21st      Rescued aircrew from CATALINA aircraft shot down by U377

                     25th       Resumed Flotilla duties at Scapa Flow after detaching from QP14

                                   (Note: During passage of QP14 HM Minesweeper LEDA, part of Ocean Escort,

                                               was sunk by U43 and HMS SOMALI of Fighting Escort damaged in

                                               attack by U503. Although taken in tow by HMS ASHANTI the destroyer

                                               foundered in extreme weather conditions.)

 

October                       Under short refit at commercial shipyard in Humber.

                                     Nominated for detached service in defence of military convoys on passage to

                                     Gibraltar for planned landings in North Africa (Operation TORCH).

                     25th        Arrived at Gibraltar as part of escort for TORCH convoy.

                                     Deployed for Atlantic convoy defence based at Gibraltar.

                     28th        At Ponta Delgarda, Azores.

                     29th        Sailed to join military convoy KMS1 during passage to Gibraltar.

 

November

                      3rd         Joined escort for KMS1 after protracted search.

                      9th         Despatched from Gibraltar after arrival of KMS1 and deployed with HM Destroyer

                                     VENOMOUS to reinforce escort for HM Destroyer Depot Ship HECLA and HM

                                     Cruiser VINDICTIVE during passage into Gibraltar.

                    11th          Joined escort of HMS HECLA and HMS VINDICTIVE.

                    12th          Under attack by U515 in position 180 miles west of Gibraltar.

                                      After HMS HECLA was hit by two torpedoes carried out anti-submarine

                                      hunt with HMS VENOMOUS but later detached to assist the damaged ship.

                                      Whilst alongside came under further attack by U515 which fired 2 weapons.

                                      Hit aft by one of the torpedoes which caused extensive damage.

                                      13 of ship’s company were killed and X-mounting totally disabled.

                                      (Note: The second torpedo hit HMS HECLA which then sank with heavy

                                                  loss of life. 279 personnel were killed out of total of over 1,100 on

                                                  board.)

                                      Taken in tow by HMS VENOMOUS but this had to be abandoned when

                                      U515 closed to make further attack.

                    13th           Taken in tow by HM Tug SALVONIA and escorted into Gibraltar by HM

                                      Corvette JONQUIL

                    16th           Major damage including loss of entire stern structure assessed.

                    17th           Taken in hand for temporary repair by HM Dockyard to enable ship to

                                       return to UK.

 

December                      Under repair at Gibraltar.

 

1 9 4 3

 

January                          Temporary repair in continuation at Gibraltar.

 

February

                     2nd            Took passage from Gibraltar under tow by HM Tug EMINENT.

                                       Repair arranged in Tyne at Swan Hunter shipyard.

                   25th             Arrived in Tyne for repair.

 

March

                     4th             Taken in hand for permanent repair.

 

April                               Under repair

to                                    (Note: New stern structure fitted and turbine machinery removed

December                                    for overhaul.

                                        Surface warning radar Type 272 was fitted on a new Lattice

                                        foremast and the Close Range defence improved.)

 

1 9 4 4

 

January                            Post refit trials and recommissioned.

                   31st               Repair work completed.

 

February                          Prepared for service and carried out sea trials.

                   10th               Passage to Scapa Flow on completion of storing.

 

March                               Rejoined Flotilla for work-up at Scapa Flow and deployed for escort duties.

                   23rd               Joined 3rd Destroyer Flotilla for operational service.

 

April                                 Deployed with Flotilla for Home Fleet screening duties.

                    3rd                Deployed as escort for HM Aircraft Carriers VICTORIOUS, FURIOUS and

                                         five Escort Aircraft Carriers during attacks on German TIRPITZ in Altenfjord,

                                         Norway (Operation TUNGSTEN – See CONVOY ! by  P Kemp.)

                                         On return from TUNGSTEN nominated for special duty.

                                         (Note:  A large number of mercantiles had been detained in North

                                                      Russian awaiting an escort for return passage and a number

                                                      of Russian naval personnel were to be collected for transport

                                                      to UK for manning ships being loaned to the Soviet Navy.

                                         Normal Russian convoys had been suspended because of the

                                         planned landings in Normandy. See above references.)

                   20th               Deployed with HM Cruiser DIADEM, HM Escort Carriers ACTIVITY

                                         and FENCER as escort for ss NEA HELLAS during passage to Kola Inlet.

                                         (HM Destroyers BEAGLE, BOADICEA, INCONSTANT, KEPPEL,

                                         MATCHLESS, METEOR, MILNE, MUSKETEER, ULYSSES,

                                         VERULAM, VIRAGO, WALKER, WESTCOTT, WHITEHALL and

                                         WRESTLER, HM Canadian Frigates CAPE BRETON, GROU,

                   20th               HM Canadian Frigates OUTREMONT and WASKESUI were also in this escort.)

                                         NEA HELLAS developed defects on passage and had to return but the

                                         escort ships continued their passage.

                    23rd               Arrived at Kola Inlet with escorts.

                                         (Note: Transfer on Russian personnel was arranged on the returning

                                                      mercantiles and on the RN warships.

                                         Embarked 17 passengers.

                    28th               Sailed as part of escort for returning mercantiles as Convoy RA59.

                                         Deployed as screen for HMS ACTIVITY with HM Destroyers METEOR,

                                         MATCHLESS, MUSKETEER and MILNE.

 

May

                      4th              Detached from RA59 with HMS ACTIVITY and screening destroyers.

                                         Resumed Home Fleet duties with Flotilla.

                                         Part of escort for aircraft carriers during operations against Norwegian coastal

                                         Convoys.

 

June                                  Deployed at Scapa Flow for Home Fleet screening duties.

                                         (Note   Home Fleet ships provided cover as required to prevent any

                                                     interference to allied landings in Normandy by German surface

                                                     warships attempting passage in NW Approaches.

                                                     This ship was not deployed in support of  Normandy landings

                                                      (Operation NEPTUNE).)

                                          Air Attacks were carried out on Norwegian coat shipping by Home Fleet

                                          aircraft carriers screened by destroyers.

 

July                                   Home Fleet screening duties with Flotilla in continuation.

                    17th               Deployed as screen for HM Aircraft Carriers FORMIDABLE and FURIOUS,

                                          HM Escort Carrier NABOB, HM Cruisers BERWICK and DEVONSHIRE

                                          with other Fleet destroyers during air attacks on German battleship

                                          TIRPITZ in Altenfjord (Operation MASCOT).

 

August                              Home Fleet Flotilla duties in continuation.

                                          Part of screen for aircraft carriers during air operations against Norwegian

                                          coastal convoys.

                                           (Note: This operation was unsuccessful due to adverse weather conditions.)

                     7th                Deployed with HM Destroyers CAPRICE, METEOR, MILNE and

                                          MUSKETEER as screen for HM Cruiser JAMAICA, HM Escort Carriers

                                          STRIKER and VINDEX providing air cover for passage of Russian

                                          Convoy JW59 during passage to Kola Inlet.

                                          (Note: This convoy included warships being transferred to Soviet

                                                      Navy under Lease-Lend. See above.)

                    25th               Retained in North Russia with Home Fleet units to provide cover for

                                          return convoy.

                    28th               Joined Convoy RA59A with same ships to provide air cover.

 

September

                     5th              Detached from RA59A and returned to Scapa Flow.

                   12th              Deployed with HM Destroyers MYNGS, MUSKETEER, ALGONQUIN

                                        (RCN), VIGILANT and VERULAM as screen for HMS FURIOUS, HM

                                        Escort Carrier TRUMPETER and HMS BERWICK during joint aircraft

                                        minelay and shipping strike south of Voksa Island, Norway.

                                        (Operation BEGONIA – See Naval Staff History (Mining).)

                   17th              Joined Russian Convoy JW60 with HM Battleship RODNEY, HM Escort

                                        Carriers CAMPANIA and STRIKER, HM Cruiser DIADEM as screen

                                        with HM Destroyers MILNE, MUSKETEER, SAUMAREZ, SCORPION,

                                        VENUS, VERULAM, VIRAGO, VOLAGE, ALGONQUIN and SIOUX (RCN)

                   23rd              Detached from JW60 on arrival at Kola Inlet.

                   28th              Joined return Convoy RA60 for screening duty.

 

October

                     4th              Detached from RA60.

                                        Took passage from Scapa Flow for repair.

                                        (Note: One source records this was done at Newcastle.)

                     6th              Taken in hand for repair.

                                        Nominated for service in Mediterranean on completion.

                   31st              Repair completed

                                        Took passage to Mediterranean after post repair trials.

 

November

                   11th              Rejoined Flotilla at Alexandria and resumed operational service in

                                        Eastern Mediterranean.

 

December                        Deployed for support of operations to re-occupy islands in eastern

                                        Mediterranean and intercept craft evacuating enemy personnel.

                    5th               Carried out bombardment of Rhodes with HM Cruiser ARETHUSA,

                                        HMS MUSKETEER and HMS METEOR of Flotilla.

                  16th               During interception patrol captured craft off Symi and took enemy

                                        occupants prisoner.

 

1 9 4 5

 

January                           Transferred to western Mediterranean for support of military

                                        operations, patrol and anti-submarine operations  with Flotilla.

                                        Carried out patrol between Leghorn and Toulon.

 

February                          Flotilla deployment in western Mediterranean.

                  26th               During patrol with HM Escort Destroyer EASTON attacked small

                                        convoy off Portofino.

 

March                              Western Mediterranean patrol and support duties in continuation.

                    6th                Deployed with HM Destroyer TETCOTT for interception patrol,

                   15th               Deployed as part of screen for major units during bombardment of

                                        targets at Spezia and Genoa.

 

April                                Support of military operations and  interception patrol in continuation.

 

May                                 After VE Day deployed with Flotilla for Fleet duties including the support of

                                         reoccupation operations and for exercises with ships

 

July                                 Carrying out  work-up prior to service in the Eastern and Pacific Fleets.

 

August                             Visited Istanbul  with HM Cruiser AJAX and HMS METEOR.

                                        (Note: The subsequent transfer to Turkey of some ships of this

                                                     Class may have been initiated during this visit.)

 

P o s t   W a r   N o t e s

 

HMS MARNE remained in the Mediterranean with the 3rd Flotilla until March 1946 when she returned  to Portsmouth, arriving on 8th April. It had been decided in December 1945 that ships of this Class in the Mediterranean were to be replaced by V-Class Destroyers. In November 1952 the ship was towed to lay-up at Penarth. Although selected for conversion to an Air Direction Frigate, this was later cancelled and she was placed on the Disposal List in 1955 .On 16th August 1957 she was sold to Turkey with her sister ships HMS METEOR, HMS MATCHLESS and HMS MILNE. (See General Information.) During a refit in a Tyne shipyard modern radar was fitted and a SQUID Anti-submarine mortar replaced the after torpedo tubes, She was handed over to the Turkish Navy at Portsmouth on 9th September 1959 with the other three destroyers and renamed MARESAL FEVSI CAKMAK, a Turkish General. This destroyer remained on the Active List until 1971 when she sold for breaking-up.

---

 

Addendum

 

CONVOY ESCORT MOVEMENTS of HMS MARNE

by Don Kindell

 

These convoy lists have not been cross-checked with the text above

(Note on Convoys)